What is the ISF?
The Importer Security Filing, commonly known as ISF or the 10+2 rule, is a US Customs and Border Protection requirement for all ocean cargo destined for the United States. It requires importers to provide detailed information about their shipment before the goods are loaded onto a vessel at the foreign port.
The filing must be submitted at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the port of origin. Failure to file, late filing, or inaccurate filing can result in penalties of $5,000 per violation, cargo holds, and increased CBP scrutiny on future shipments.
The 10+2 data elements
The name 10+2 refers to the 10 data elements provided by the importer and 2 data elements provided by the ocean carrier.
The importer provides the seller or owner name and address, the buyer or owner name and address, the importer of record number, the consignee number, the manufacturer or supplier name and address, the ship-to party name and address, the country of origin, the commodity HTS number at the six-digit level, the container stuffing location, and the consolidator name and address.
The carrier provides the vessel stow plan and container status messages.
When to file
The deadline is 24 hours before the vessel departs from the last foreign port. However, best practice is to file as early as possible, ideally 48 to 72 hours before departure, to allow time for corrections if errors are identified.
For break bulk cargo not in containers, the ISF must be filed 24 hours before arrival at the first US port.
Common ISF mistakes and how to avoid them
Filing late is the most common violation and the easiest to avoid. Establish a process where your customs broker receives booking and shipment details as soon as the purchase order is placed.
Inaccurate manufacturer information occurs when importers list the trading company rather than the actual factory. CBP wants to know where goods were physically manufactured.
Incorrect HTS codes in the ISF should match what you will declare on the entry summary. Discrepancies between ISF and entry can trigger additional scrutiny.
Failing to update the ISF when changes occur is a common oversight. If the shipment details change after filing, you are required to submit amendments.
ISF bonds
You need an active customs bond to file an ISF. If you do not have a continuous bond, you must obtain a single transaction bond for each shipment. Most regular importers find that a continuous bond, which costs approximately $500 to $1,000 per year, is more cost-effective than individual bonds.
Let ASR handle your ISF
Our customs team files ISF for every ocean import shipment we handle. We have systems in place to ensure timely filing, accuracy of data elements, and prompt amendments when changes occur. Contact us at shipping@asrwe.com or +1 786 373 3003.
